Tories face rift by opposing fracking

Call for moratorium signals policy clash

RYEDALE: The long-running dispute over fracking for gas in Ryedale – one of the key locations earmarked for the process – has taken a dramatic new turn.

The Conservatives who control the district council are calling for a moratorium, clashing with the Conservative Government’s policy.

THE LONG-RUNNING dispute over fracking for gas in Ryedale – one of the key locations earmarked for the process – has taken a dramatic new turn with the Conservatives who control the district council calling for a moratorium, clashing with the Government’s policy.

The party’s councillors say there are “no definitive” answers about the implications of the controversial industry and they want to see it prohibited until at least 2023.

Leader of Ryedale District Council, Coun Keane Duncan, said the move would be put to the next full meeting of the authority.

He said: “Forget what you think you know about the Conservatives’ stance on fracking. Conservative councillors in Ryedale are united in our aim to protect the area, its character and its people from the potential ramifications of fracking.

“That’s why we’re calling for a moratorium until we know enough about it. We feel this is the only responsible course of

action. Our motion sends an historic message and signals a significant break with the Conservative Government as it races to embrace the fracking industry.”

The move comes after a tremor measuring 2.9 on the Richter scale was felt near the UK’s only active fracking site, less than two days after a previously recordbreaking tremor at the facility.

The British Geological Survey reported a large tremor related to fracking activity hit near Blackpool at 8.30am on Monday.

It was two days after a 2.1 scale “micro seismic event” was detected at the Cuadrilla energy site late on Saturday evening, previously the largest tremor ever recorded at the site. Cuadrilla began fracking at the site last year, but work has been interrupted by tremors.

Coun Chris Delaney, who owns a Ryedale-based renewable energy company, said: “I believe it is important that we focus our attention on creating a sustainable, low carbon and renewable Ryedale.

“By bringing forward this motion, Ryedale Conservatives are taking the lead on ensuring that the focus remains on delivering more pragmatic and tangible solutions to meet our energy needs.

“I hope that the other parties will follow our lead and support this motion.”

Councillors will debate the motion at Ryedale’s headquarters in Malton on September 5.